Barbara J. Larsen, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side, on March 22, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born in Rock Island, IL, March 1, 1933 to Ernest R. and Edna Palmer.
Barbara graduated from Rock Island High School in 1951. She attended Augustana College in Rock Island and the University of Iowa. While she was at Augustana, she met the love of her life, Bob Larsen. Bob and Barbara married in 1955. They have three children; a son, David, and two daughters, Shannon and Kristin. The couple moved to Colorado Springs in 1963.
In early years, Barbara worked as secretary to the Rock Island County Clerk. After marriage, the couple moved to Chicago where Bob attended The University of Illinois Dental School and Barbara worked as an Advisor to Foreign Graduate Students at the school.
Barbara was admired and adored by all who knew her. Her greatest pleasures in life were her family, friends and faith. She had immeasurable love and she filled the family home with her warmth and her kindness. Barbara greeted everyone with her beautiful smile and a hug.
Barbara was very active and involved in her community and church. She was the President of the Colorado Springs Dental Society Auxiliary, the editor of Colorado State Dental Auxiliary Quarterly newspaper, she worked with Ecumenical Social Ministries, was involved with the FISH Pantry through First Lutheran Church, was a member of the Symphony Guild, was a Debutante Ball committee member, and volunteered at The Children’s Literacy Center. She was a member of Colorado Springs First Lutheran Church since 1963.
Barbara leaves behind to cherish her memory, devoted husband, Bob; loving children, David (Andrea), Shannon (Mark), and Kristin (Mike); and precious grandchildren, Jacob, Michael, Alex, Lauren, Emma, Celsiee, Christian, and Julia.
A private inurnment will be held at First Lutheran Church. A memorial service will be held June 24 at 2:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Lutheran Church Memorial Fund at 1515 N. Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs 80907 or the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.
